In this raw and real episode of Coursen’s Corner, Spencer Coursen sits down with Ashley Kelsch—writer, entrepreneur, and deeply reflective creative—for a powerful conversation on motherhood, addiction, grief, emotional recovery, and what it means to unf*ck midlife.
Ashley shares her personal evolution from building a bold business like Teddies for Betty's to hitting rock bottom emotionally after the loss of her children's father, dealing with substance use, and re-evaluating life after becoming an empty nester. With wisdom, humor, and hard-earned grace, she walks us through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, sobriety, parenting, identity, and healing. This is an unfiltered, honest discussion about how to face pain without running, and how to rebuild life—on your terms.
Timestamps:
- [00:00 - 07:29] – Starting over: Podcasting, ADHD, entrepreneurship, and the struggle to stay visible
- [07:29 - 14:58] – Parenting as avoidance, becoming an empty nester, and respecting kids' boundaries
- [14:58 - 22:28] – Ashley's writing journey: journaling, feedback loops, and emotional clarity
- [22:28 - 29:57] – Early adulthood: addiction, the Seattle grunge scene, and her escape to Maui
- [29:57 - 37:26] – Moving to Austin after loss, and the bold creation of Teddies for Betty's
- [37:26 - 44:56] – Entrepreneurship burnout, internalized alcoholism, and the pressure to perform
- [44:56 - 52:25] – Wine culture, solo drinking, emotional disconnect, and hitting the wall
- [52:25 - 59:54] – Accepting addiction, sobriety clarity, and letting go of performative living
- [59:54 - 1:07:24] – Grief and rebirth: confronting her mother’s mental illness and addiction
- [1:07:24 - 1:14:53] – Breaking generational trauma and forgiving without false positivity
- [1:14:53 - 1:22:22] – Suicidal ideation, post-recovery numbness, and reclaiming purpose
- [1:22:22 - 1:29:52] – From trauma response to true self-awareness: building emotional tools
- [1:29:52 - 1:37:21] – Holding space for grief, healing the inner child, and rediscovering joy
- [1:37:21 - 1:44:50] – Reflecting on the entrepreneurial past, emotional burnout, and rebirth
- [1:44:50 - 1:52:20] – Final thoughts on love, loss, identity, and living with intention
Links & Resources:
Follow Ashley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfuckingmidlife/
Subscribe to Ashley's Substack: https://ashleykelsch.substack.com/
Work With Ashley: https://www.ashleykelsch.com/coaching-11
Podcast Guest Submission Form: https://www.spencercoursen.com/podcast
Follow Spencer on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s.coursen/?hl=en
Purchase "The Safety Trap" by Spencer Coursen: https://a.co/d/3KXG4y2
Connect With Coursen Security Group: https://www.coursensecuritygroup.com/